Former Machakos Senator and Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Johnstone Muthama has launched a scathing attack on Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi over remarks suggesting that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka should join President William Ruto’s government to “rescue” the people of Lower Eastern from poverty.
In a strongly worded statement, Muthama described Sudi’s comments, made during a political fundraiser in Yatta two weeks ago, as demeaning, insulting and disrespectful to the people of Ukambani.
Muthama said the remarks had triggered widespread concern, revealing that many Kenyans, including supporters of President William Ruto, had reached out to him urging him to challenge what he termed a false narrative portraying Lower Eastern as one of Kenya’s poorest regions.
“Lower Eastern is not a region waiting to be rescued. Our people have built their communities through hard work, sacrifice and self-reliance,” Muthama said.
He argued that poverty remains a national challenge affecting many regions and warned against singling out Ukambani for political messaging.
According to the former senator, generations of residents have financed and completed schools, churches, health facilities and other community projects using their own resources before handing them over for public benefit.
Muthama further took a swipe at Sudi, saying the Kapseret MP should first examine the development challenges within his own region before making sweeping statements about Lower Eastern.
“If you look closely at the region Hon. Sudi comes from, you will notice there are more schools operating under trees than in Lower Eastern,” he said.
He maintained that the people of Lower Eastern cannot be bought or misled by political promises, describing them as hardworking, law-abiding citizens who have consistently confronted their own challenges with resilience and determination.
“We are a people of dignity who stand firmly for our values, our interests and our future. Like every other Kenyan, we are capable of solving our own problems,” Muthama added.
The PSC Commsioner also cautioned that leaders should avoid remarks that divide Kenyans along economic lines, saying such rhetoric risks undermining President William Ruto’s message of national unity and equal treatment of all citizens.
“It is unfortunate when leaders use public platforms to demean fellow Kenyans because they are driven by personal or political interests rather than a genuine commitment to serve the people,” he said.
Muthama’s response is the latest escalation in the political storm sparked by Sudi’s Yatta remarks, with the debate now placing fresh focus on Kenya Kwanza’s efforts to court support in the vote-rich Lower Eastern region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
